Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds defends council decision to scrap festival

Hobart’s Lord Mayor has labelled a federal funding program “unfair” as she defends her council’s decision to scrap a popular food festival.

HOBART’S Lord Mayor has labelled a federal funding program “unfair” as she defends her council’s decision to scrap this year’s Taste festival.

On Friday, the Federal Government announced more than $16 million in local roads and community infrastructure grants for Tasmanian councils, with more than $13 million going to councils in the electorates of Lyons, Bass and Braddon and just over $3 million shared between Clark and Franklin.

Anna Reynolds. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“These kind of funding decisions from federal and state governments have a real impact on the balance sheets of local councils and impact on our ability to fund projects like the Taste,” Cr Anna Reynolds said.

The Federal Government said the grant scheme was based on the Roads to Recovery funding formula, but could be spent on anything from playgrounds and halls to walking paths and barbecue facilities.

State Government minister Elise Archer called on the Hobart City Council to “consult more widely” to find a way to still hold the Taste.

But Cr Reynolds said the $250,000 in state funding for the event was a small proportion of the overall cost, with ratepayers usually paying about $1 million.

“It is time that industry and the state tourism agency played a bigger role and that attendees also pay for festival entry,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Perhaps the crisis will lead to a new era for the Taste with a new model that will take it forward for the next 30 years.”

A final decision will be discussed at Monday night’s council meeting, but council staff have recommended cancelling this year’s event due to uncertainty over public gatherings and the council’s financial troubles.

Cr Reynolds suggested “cheaper, pop-up” waterfront events could be held in lieu of the Taste.

“If in the next six months there’s a real recovery and less call on us to provide rates relief, we can be open to a range of creative ideas,” she said.

“On New Year’s Eve we can close off areas of the waterfront and have tables, chairs, beanbags, food trucks and performers. That’s something our team can do pretty easily.”